On Sunday, 13 September 2026, the Catholic community of Holy Cross Parish in Nicosia, Cyprus, gathered with joy to celebrate its patronal feast, the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, whose liturgical feast is observed on 14 September. The celebration brought together parishioners from the many language communities that make Holy Cross a unique and vibrant parish of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.
The theme of this year’s celebration was taken from the words of Jesus in the Gospel of John: “When I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.” These words offered a meaningful reflection on the power of the Cross to unite people in faith, hope, and love. In a parish where people from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds worship together, the Cross reminds everyone that Christ calls all people to himself and makes them one family.
The celebration began with Holy Mass in Greek, presided over by Msgr. Bruno Varriano, OFM, Patriarchal Vicar in Cyprus. Together with the faithful, the parish gave thanks to God for the gift of the Cross and prayed for the continued growth and unity of the parish community.
Following the Mass, the faithful took part in a procession with the relic of the Holy Cross around the church premises. Carrying the relic in prayer, the community expressed its devotion to Christ crucified and reflected on the meaning of the Cross in daily life. The procession was a visible sign that the Cross is not merely a symbol inside the church, but the centre of Christian life and the source of strength amid the joys and difficulties of the world.
The celebration continued with a joyful gathering in the church grounds. Representatives of the different language communities presented traditional songs and dances, sharing something of their cultures and traditions with the wider parish family. These presentations reflected the rich diversity of Holy Cross Parish, where people from many nations come together to worship the same Lord.
Quizzes and games added a spirit of joy and fellowship to the occasion, bringing children, young people, and adults together. A shared lunch provided another opportunity for parishioners to meet, strengthen friendships, and welcome one another around the same table.
The feast was not only an annual parish celebration, but also a reminder of the identity and mission of Holy Cross Parish: to be a welcoming community where diversity becomes a source of unity through Christ. In the Cross, the parish finds the love that draws people together, heals divisions, and gives hope.
As the community continues its journey of faith, the words of Jesus remain an invitation and a promise: when Christ is lifted up, he draws everyone to himself.
